Can't see this email? Click here to view this message in browser window.

Comic books have made an incredible impact on pop culture. The Marvel series of movies alone have made over $28 billion dollars, and stores are full of merchandise featuring the likenesses of Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the Incredible Hulk. It’s almost impossible to believe that all of that came from the imagination of one man—Stan Lee

This Wednesday, December 28th, would have been Stan Lee’s 100th birthday, and we at the Edison Public Library wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate his life.

Born Stanley Lieber, Lee began working at Marvel Comics—then called Timely Comics—at the age of 17, doing menial work like filling inkwells and erasing the pencil lines from artwork. He always had his eye on writing the “Great American Novel,” so when he was given a job writing backup stories for comic books, he adopted the pen name of Stan Lee.

In the early 1940s, Lee entered the United States Army, during which time he continued to write comic stories and send them to the editors through the mail. By the 1960s, acting as Editor-In-Chief, Lee would take inspiration from Marvel Comics’ biggest rival—DC Comics—and create a new team of superheroes. But unlike the flawless god-like heroes like Superman and Batman, Lee created a team who faced real-world problems that readers could relate to.

The Fantastic Four struggled with family squabbles. Spider-Man had to deal with money issues. The X-Men were shunned as outcasts. Because of this relatability, Marvel’s characters were lauded by audiences.

The popularity of Marvel’s superheroes led to Lee becoming the face of the company, becoming almost as recognizable as the heroes themselves. 

Though Lee passed away in 2018, the legacy of the characters he created continues on.

If you want to learn more about Stan Lee and the history of Marvel Comics, or read some of the stories written by Lee featuring the early adventures of the Marvel characters, check these books out from your local Edison Public Library branch!

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir
by Stan Lee
BORROW
Marvel Comics: The Untold Story
by Sean Howe
BORROW
Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel
by Bob Batchelor
BORROW
A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story Of Stan Lee
by Danny Fingeroth
BORROW
Stan Lee's How To Draw Comics
by Stan Lee
BORROW
A Trick Of Light
by Stan Lee
BORROW
Avengers Masterworks Vol. 1
by Stan Lee
illustrated by Jack Kirby & Don Heck
eBook on HOOPLA
BORROW
Fantastic Four Masterworks Vol. 1
by Stan Lee
illustrated by Jack Kirby
eBook on HOOPLA
BORROW
Daredevil Masterworks Vol. 1
by Stan Lee
illustrated by Bill Everett
eBook on HOOPLA
BORROW
Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor, Vol. 1
by Stan Lee
illustrated by Jack Kirby
eBook on HOOPLA
BORROW
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange Vol. 1
by Stan Lee
illustrated by Steve Ditko
eBook on HOOPLA
BORROW
Silver Surfer Masterworks Vol. 1
by Stan Lee
illustrated by John Buscema
eBook on HOOPLA
BORROW

Masks will continue to be a welcome option for anyone who wants 
to wear them.

  • Borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines at eLibraryNJ or through the Libby app 
  • Watch films, documentaries, and Great Course classes at Kanopy
  • Take a class at LinkedIn Learning
  • Borrow music, comics, movies, and more at Hoopla
  • Read newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries on PressReader
The Main Branch of the Edison Public Library 
is now OPEN Sundays from 1-5 PM.

CONNECT WITH US!
facebook social icon
twitter social icon
instagram social icon
youtube social icon

Our mission is to provide excellent library services and resources
in a welcoming and respectful environment to best serve the entire Edison community.
Click here to unsubscribe

Locations
Main Library  | 340 Plainfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08817 -  (732) 287-2298
Clara Barton Branch | 141 Hoover Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 -  (732) 738-0096
 North Edison Branch | 777 Grove Ave, Edison, NJ 08820 - (732) 548-3045
Board President - Patricia Massey                                                  
Library Director - Allan M. Kleiman
My company logo